Abstract: A system and a method for wireless power and data transfer for connectors. The connector system is adapted for coupling two devices and for wirelessly transferring power and/or data from a first device to a second device. At the transmitting end, the system comprises of a power source, a self-resonating sinewave oscillator, a tuning circuit a, and a transmitter coil for processing and transmitting the power and/or data. At the receiving end, the system comprises a receiver coil, a proximity sensor, a signal modulator, a signal de-modulator, a bridge rectifier, a DC-DC regulator for processing and providing the power and/or date to a load.

Abstract: Disclosed is a train coupler connector module for electrically coupling a first rail vehicle to a second rail vehicle, the module including: a fixing block with an inner side able to be mounted on an electrical train coupler; a plurality of contact units arranged side by side in the fixing block, each contact unit having a first end facing the inner side of the fixing block and a second end extending outwards from the fixing block, one of the first and second end being a female contact and the other being a male contact; wherein at least one of the contact units is arranged to be individually removable from the fixing block in a direction outwards from the fixing block.

Abstract: A train control system configured to automatically execute and ensure compliance with all requirements for radio blocking. A radio blocking module of the physical train control system of a lead train retrieves and displays the appropriate clearance points for acceptance by the train driver of the lead train. Once accepted, the clearance points are transmitted to a trailing train for display and acceptance by the train driver of the trailing train. An accepted clearance point is passed to the train control system for use as the next destination point for navigation purposes. The train control system can also electronically log all acts to comply with applicable radio blocking requirements.

Abstract: A connector includes a contact including a contact point to be electrically connected to an external apparatus when a connecting terminal of the external apparatus is pressed against the contact point, a protection member for protecting the contact point, and a base body storing the contact and the protection member. The protection member includes an opening for projecting the contact point on the external apparatus side from a surface on which the external apparatus is pressed. The protection member is movable between a first position and a second position with movement of the external apparatus. At the first position, the contact point is arranged so as to project on the external apparatus side from the opening. At the second position, the contact point is arranged on the same plane as the surface of the protection member on which the external apparatus is pressed.

Abstract: A communication system is disclosed for use with a train consist. The consist communication system may have a first fluid conduit, a first coupling connected to the first fluid conduit, a first cover connected to the first coupling and configured to close an end of the first fluid conduit, and at least a first cable disposed within the first fluid conduit. The system may also have a second fluid conduit substantially identical to the first fluid conduit, a second coupling substantially identical to the first coupling, fixedly connected to the second fluid conduit, and connectable to the first coupling, and a second cover connected to the second coupling and configured to close an end of the second fluid conduit. At least a second cable may be disposed within the second fluid conduit in communication with the at least a first cable through the first and second covers. The first and second fluid conduits may be pressurized.

Abstract: A consist communication system is disclosed for use with a train consist. The system may have a sensor associated with a component of the consist and configured to generate a signal indicative of a performance parameter of the component. The system may further include a controller, a fluid conduit, at least a first cable disposed within the fluid conduit and configured to transmit the signal from the sensor to the controller, and a glad-hand coupling fixedly connected to an end of the fluid conduit.

Abstract: A coupling for a communication conduit is disclosed for use with a train consist. The coupling may include a nipple configured for insertion within a fluid conduit, a flange configured to engage an end of the fluid conduit, a retention member configured to engage an outer surface of the fluid conduit, a first fitting extending from the flange away from the nipple, and, a retaining tab configured to retain a second fitting of another coupling in engagement with the first fitting. The coupling may further include a closure mechanism configured to close off an end of the first fitting and movable during engagement with the second fitting to open the end of the first fitting.

Abstract: A consist communication system is disclosed for use with a train consist. The consist communication system may have a fluid conduit, at least a first cable disposed within the fluid conduit and configured to transmit communication signals, and at least a second cable disposed within the fluid conduit and configured to transmit electrical power. The communication conduit may also have a coupling fixedly connected to an end of the fluid conduit, a first transformer coil connected to the at least a first cable, and a second transformer coil connected to the at least a second cable and disposed in an orthogonal orientation relative to the first transformer coil.

Abstract: An electrical contact coupling for a track-borne vehicle has a coupling housing and a protective flap articulated to the coupling housing. In order to ensure a reliable sealing of the coupling housing in the closed state of the electrical contact coupling, a seal is utilized which exhibits an upper sealing area running parallel to the axis of rotation and a lower sealing area running parallel to the axis of rotation. The upper sealing area associates with a sealing face aligned perpendicular to the housing end face and the lower sealing area associates with a sealing face aligned substantially parallel to the housing end face.

Abstract: What is described is a middle buffer coupling for rail-bound vehicles, comprising two coupling halves (2, 2?) to be coupled together attached to vehicle parts (A, B), each of said coupling halves (2, 2?) comprising a coupling rod (8, 8?) with a coupling head (12, 12?), and comprising a connecting element (16) for manually connecting the two coupling heads (12, 12?). Disposed at each coupling head (12, 12?) is an electrical contact element (32, 34) for contacting with the contact element of the other respective coupling head (12, 12?) when the two coupling halves (2, 2?) are coupled. Routed within each coupling rod (8, 8?) are electrical lines (18, 18?) that lead from the contact elements (32, 34) of the associated coupling head (12, 12?) to the vehicle part (A, B) to which the coupling halves (2, 2?) comprising said coupling rods (8, 8?) are attached, respectively.

Abstract: A connector by which data signals are conducted between data communication networks separately installed in coupled rail vehicles, includes a contact holder arranged to be seated in a train coupler connection block; a metal contact housing arranged for insertion in a forward end of the contact holder, and a metal contact member seated in the contact housing, the contact member extending through the contact housing to a conductor termination seated in a rear end of the contact holder. A connection block in a train coupler, wherein a multiplicity of connectors are arranged in the front of the connection block and adapted for mating with connectors of a corresponding connection block for electrically connecting rail vehicles that are interconnected by the train coupler, and wherein at least some of the connectors are effective for conducting signals at 100 MHz frequency range via electromagnetically shielded contacts, is also described.

Abstract: A highway vehicle towing system includes a light railroad track embedded in a highway and capable of transmitting electricity from a power supply plant, and a towing tractor movable along the light railroad track to tow a car. The owing tractor has multiple pairs of metal wheels movably supported on the light railroad track, a motor, electrical wires connecting the metal wheels to the motor for transmitting electricity from the light railroad track to the motor, a transmission shaft coupled to and rotatable by the motor, and a differential mechanism coupled between the transmission shaft and the metal wheels for enabling the metal wheels to be rotated along the light railroad track by the motor.

Abstract: A connector by which data signals are conducted between data communication networks separately installed in coupled rail vehicles, includes a contact holder arranged to be seated in a train coupler connection block; a metal contact housing arranged for insertion in a forward end of the contact holder, and a metal contact member seated in the contact housing, the contact member extending through the contact housing to a conductor termination seated in a rear end of the contact holder. A connection block in a train coupler, wherein a multiplicity of connectors are arranged in the front of the connection block and adapted for mating with connectors of a corresponding connection block for electrically connecting rail vehicles that are interconnected by the train coupler, and wherein at least some of the connectors are effective for conducting signals at 100 MHz frequency range via electromagnetically shielded contacts, is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for indicating whether a coupler of a locomotive is in a coupled or uncoupled state is provided. The apparatus comprising: a sensor positioned on a portion of the coupler, wherein the sensor provides a real-time signal indicative of either a coupled or an uncoupled state of a coupler, wherein the signal is transmitted wirelessly by a transmitter in operable communication with the sensor. The method comprising: providing a signal indicative of the presence or proximity of a second coupler to the first coupler, the signal being provided by a sensor configured to provide the signal as the state of the coupler has changed; transmitting the signal wirelessly to a controller; processing the signal with a control algorithm resident upon the controller; and providing visually perceivable indication of the position of the coupler.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for connecting an item of equipment and two cables, one of which carries electrical data and the other of which carries pneumatic data. The device comprises an electrical socket and a pneumatic socket, both mounted on an item of equipment, an electrical plug secured to a cable, the electrical plug being intended to be connected to the electrical socket, and a pneumatic plug secured to a cable, the pneumatic plug being intended to be connected to the pneumatic socket. According to the invention, when the pneumatic plug is in a connected but unlocked position, the electrical plug cannot be plugged in.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a high-speed contactless data coupling that is adaptable to use with mechanical rail car couplers. The exemplary embodiments utilize a primarily magnetic field coupling to communicate either baseband data or RF signals through a pair of signal coupling units that do not need to contact either other, which can be easily housed in two heads attached to each of two mechanical rail car couplers.

Abstract: A coupling head with a device carrier for the automatic coupling of couplable vehicles is disclosed, wherein the device carrier comprises a plurality of the components necessary for realizing the automatic coupling and/or decoupling. In order to enable assembly/disassembly of these components on the coupling head which is as simple as possible, the device carrier is disconnectably mounted on the coupling head such that at least one of the components will be activated or deactivated during the coupling and/or decoupling. Also disclosed is a method for assembling a coupling head with a device carrier which comprises a plurality of components necessary for realizing the automatic coupling and/or decoupling.

Abstract: A trolley hanger for supporting brake hose connections between rail cars which hangs securely on a trolley rod, and preferably is directly connected to an intermediate hose flange, a train line support casting flange, or trolley pipe flange, prevents lateral and rotational movement of a brake hose connection, thereby reducing unwanted brake hose uncoupling.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic central buffer coupling, especially of the “Tlghtlock/AAR” type of construction. The coupling includes a coupling head, with a supporting unit underneath; a hydraulic and/or compressed air terminal for a hydraulic or compressed air line; and an electrical contact carrier arranged underneath the supporting unit and having electrical contact terminals; and an actuating device to longitudinally displace the electrical contact carrier via the air line. The electrical contact carrier is in an uncoupled position rearward of the coupling plane of the central buffer coupling, and is displaceable into a coupling-ready forward position in the coupling plane via the actuating device. In order to ensure that the electrical contact carrier is automatically co-coupled after the mechanical coupling operation, a release mechanism is configured to ensure a coupling mechanism is triggered to co-couple the at least one hydraulic and/or compressed air terminal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic central buffer coupling for a multi-membered vehicle having a coupling head and a signal transmission device for transmitting signals between a first and a second car body. The invention integrates a signal transmission device into the central buffer coupling. The invention includes a coupling element and a counter-coupling element integrated into respective contact plates of adjacent coupling heads such that the face side of the coupling element is arranged opposite the face side of the counter-coupling element. The coupling element and the counter-coupling element each have an antenna member that includes a disc monopole antenna configured to transmit data in the GHz frequency range.

Abstract: To minimize headways between trains at stops in short-distance rail transport systems, an electronic drawbar is proposed which makes it possible to cause a following train to approach a train ahead up to a few meters and to follow at this distance in an electronically coupled mode. A method for carrying out the invention is wherein a rail vehicle with zero speed or with a speed below a predetermined minimum speed transmits a message which contains propulsion and braking control information or ready signals for activating an electronic drawbar for a following rail vehicle, and that after reception of the message from the rail vehicle ahead, the following rail vehicle approaches the rail vehicle ahead up to a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A railcar coupler which integrates fluid and electrical connectors into one modular unit with increased facility for automatically making such connections when cars are pushed together while achieving compatibility between Janney type and Automatic Intermodal Railway Car Couplers.

Abstract: A wiring connecting box is supported by a link bar coupling a front railway vehicle and a rear railway vehicle. Receptacles connected to end portion connectors of wiring cables of the front vehicle and the rear vehicle are respectively arranged on the front face and the rear face of the wiring connecting box. A connecting cable for connecting the receptacle on the front face and the receptacle on the rear face is arranged within the wiring connecting box. The wiring cables of the front vehicle and the rear vehicle are connected to each other through the connecting cable. Smooth wiring can be performed between the vehicles by using the wiring connecting box.

Abstract: A flexible connector for use in a model train is provided. The flexible connector includes a first coupling member associated with a first train car, and a second coupling member associated with a second train car, wherein the second coupling member is configured for engagement with the first coupling member. The flexible connector further includes a first layer of electrically conductive material connected to a first circuit and disposed on the surface of the first coupling member. The flexible connector still further includes a second layer of electrically conductive material connected to a second circuit and disposed on the surface of the second coupling member such that the first and second train cars are mechanically and electrically connected when the first and second coupling members are engaged.

Abstract: A railcar coupler which integrates fluid and electrical connections into one modular unit with increased facility for automatically connecting these connections when cars are pushed together and automatically disconnecting these connections when railway cars are lifted up off of railroad tracks.

Abstract: A wiring connecting box is supported by a link bar coupling a front railway vehicle and a rear railway vehicle. Receptacles connected to end portion connectors of wiring cables of the front vehicle and the rear vehicle are respectively arranged on the front face and the rear face of the wiring connecting box. A connecting cable for connecting the receptacle on the front face and the receptacle on the rear face is arranged within the wiring connecting box. The wiring cables of the front vehicle and the rear vehicle are connected to each other through the connecting cable. Smooth wiring can be performed between the vehicles by using the wiring connecting box.

Abstract: An end of car mounting block assembly for electrical interconnections between rail cars. The assembly includes a housing having an opening therethrough adapted to receive an electrical plug and an electrical cable.

Abstract: An integrated electrical and pneumatic train line connector is provided. In a typically glad hand connector for connecting the pneumatic lines on either end of a train car, each glad hand also includes an integrated electrical connector for the train electrical line which runs along the length of the train. Each glad hand comprises an inner and outer face to which are connected respective male and female connectors for the electrical train line. The male contact is preferably provided on the lower portion of the glad hand and a correspondingly figured female connector is provided on the upper portion of the glad hand. When a glad hand from one railcar is attached to the glad hand of a second railcar the cooperating male and female connectors of each of glad hands are automatically connected as the pneumatic line is connected. One step electrical and pneumatic coupling is therefore provided for railroad cars.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rail car mounting block assembly for electrical interconnections between railway cars. The assembly comprises a housing having a threaded opening therethrough adapted to receive an electrical plug and electrical cable. The assembly has a securing mechanism for attaching the housing to a rail car and the housing has a receiving means for receiving a connector of a lanyard. The invention further provides for a lanyard having a plurality of loops for encompassing an electrical cable having electrical connectors at both ends. The lanyard also has connectors at both ends with one of the connectors attaching to one of the cable's electrical connectors and the other connector attaching to the receiving means of the housing. The invention further provides for a combination of the lanyard and the electrical cable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rail car mounting block assembly for electrical interconnections between railway cars. The assembly comprises a housing having a threaded opening therethrough adapted to receive an electrical plug and electrical cable. The assembly has a securing mechanism for attaching the housing to a rail car and the housing has a receiving means for receiving a connector of a lanyard. The invention further provides for a lanyard having a plurality of loops for encompassing an electrical cable having electrical connectors at both ends. The lanyard also has connectors at both ends with one of the connectors attaching to one of the cable's electrical connectors and the other connector attaching to the receiving means of the housing. The invention further provides for a combination of the lanyard and the electrical cable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rail car mounting block assembly for electrical interconnections between railway cars. The assembly comprises a housing having a threaded opening therethrough adapted to receive an electrical plug and electrical cable. The assembly has a securing mechanism for attaching the housing to a rail car and the housing has a receiving member for receiving a connector of a lanyard. The invention further provides for a lanyard having a plurality of loops for encompassing an electrical cable having electrical connectors at both ends. The lanyard also has connectors at both ends with one of the connectors attaching to one of the cable's electrical connectors and the other connector attaching to the receiving member of the housing. The invention further provides for a combination of the lanyard and the electrical cable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rail car mounting block assembly for electrical interconnections between railway cars. The assembly comprises a housing having a threaded opening therethrough adapted to receive an electrical plug and electrical cable. The assembly has a securing mechanism for attaching the housing to a rail car and the housing has a receiving means for receiving a connector of a lanyard. The invention further provides for a lanyard having a plurality of loops for encompassing an electrical cable having electrical connectors at both ends. The lanyard also has connectors at both ends with one of the connectors attaching to one of the cable's electrical connectors and the other connector attaching to the receiving means of the housing. The invention further provides for a combination of the lanyard and the electrical cable.

Abstract: An electrical contact coupling (3) is provided for automatic center- or central buffer couplings for rail vehicles, more particularly for claw couplings with protective arm, rotatable claw and fall bar of the “AAR” or “Janney” type or with two rigid claws and claw bar of the “Willison” type. The coupling has a contact carrier (8) secured to the coupling head and guided so as to be displaceable longitudinally in the longitudinal direction of the center buffer coupling. An economic and flat-construction solution, indicated for a center- or central buffer coupling of the aforementioned type, for the design and arrangement of an electrical contact coupling (3) and an air line coupling (12) is achieved wherein the longitudinally displaceable contact carrier (8) is arranged underneath and on a supporting unit (1) which for its part is elastically supported on and secured to the coupling head underneath the said coupling head.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for connecting electric and air lines of railroad cars incident to their mechanical coupling. The connector includes a junction plate with an outer perimeter surrounded by a housing that has connector-to-connector gathering means and is resiliently attached to a bracket on the coupler body. Formed near to the geometric center of the junction plate is a hole retaining a gasket which seats against the end of an elongated tube mechanically secured to the junction plate and passing through a compression spring and the housing and its remote wall where the assembled length is controlled by the flange of an air line fitting contacting the housing. The automatic electric and air line capability supplements the automatic coupling capability within an increased gathering range.

Abstract: An electric cable coupling for rail-borne vehicles is held longitudinally displaceably on a central buffer coupling. The cable coupling has only one adapter box (1) as a replacement for the two usual cable coupling halves, wherein the connection lines (4) for the functionally correct connection of the connection lines (2) to the rail-borne vehicles in the correct left-right configuration are arranged crossed within the adapter box (1), and the connection of the connection lines (2) to the two rail-borne vehicles to be coupled is performed via confusion-proof plug-and-socket connections (3) or fixed cables with at least one plug-and-socket connection (3) each.

Abstract: A leading end termination connector on each locomotive and an EP line termination circuit in the leading end termination connector. The leading end connector of a locomotive not connected to an adjacent locomotive is connected to the leading end termination connector. This provides protection for the non-connected leading end connector as well as providing appropriate electrical termination on the EP line.